Key module

Abstract

An exemplary key module includes a elastic assembly, a light guide plate, and a key cap. The elastic assembly is including a flat plate and a resilient member. The light guide plate is defining at least one through hole for the resilient member to extend through. The light guide plate is disposed above and in parallel to the flat plate. The key cap is resiliently supported by the resilient member. The light guide plate transmits light through at least a portion of the key cap.

1. A key module, comprising:
 an elastic assembly including a flat plate and a resilient member; 
 a light guide plate defining at least one first through hole for the resilient member to extend through, the light guide plate being disposed above and parallel to the flat plate; 
 a key cap resiliently supported by the resilient member, the light guide plate transmitting light through at least a portion of the key cap; and 
 a reinforcing plate disposed above the light guide plate, the reinforcing plate defining at least one second through hole corresponding to the at least one first through hole for the resilient member to extend therethrough, the reinforcing plate further defining a gap substantially surrounding the resilient member for allowing a portion of the light from the light guide plate to be transmitted through the gap to the key cap. 
 
   
   
     2. The key module of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a printed circuit board including at least one first conductive portion on one surface of the printed circuit board. 
 
   
   
     3. The key module of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a membrane circuit board including at least one second conductive portion on a surface thereof and corresponding to the at least one first conductive portion, the membrane circuit board being resiliently deformed for electrically connecting the at least one second conductive portion of the membrane circuit board with the at least one first conductive portion of the printed circuit board. 
 
   
   
     4. The key module of  claim 3 , wherein the elastic assembly is disposed above the membrane circuit board. 
   
   
     5. The key module of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 a spacer sheet disposed between the printed circuit board and the membrane circuit board, the spacer sheet defines at least one through hole, allowing the at least one second conductive portion to protrude therethrough for contacting with the at least one first conductive portion. 
 
   
   
     6. The key module of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 an actuating member, the actuating member capable of being moved together with the resilient member upon an external force exerted thereto for touching the membrane circuit board, causing the at least one second conductive portion to electrically contact the at least one first conductive portion. 
 
   
   
     7. The key module of  claim 6 , wherein the actuating member integrally includes the resilient member. 
   
   
     8. The key module of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing plate is made of a metal. 
   
   
     9. A key module, comprising:
 an elastic assembly including a flat plate and a resilient member; 
 a light guide plate defining at least one first through hole for the resilient member to extend through, the light guide plate being disposed above and parallel to the flat plate; 
 a key cap resiliently supported by the resilient member; and 
 a reinforcing plate disposed above the light guide plate, the reinforcing plate defining at least one second through hole corresponding to the at least one first through hole, the resilient member extending through the at least one second through hole, the at least one second through hole of the reinforcing plate having a diameter substantially larger than that of the at least one first through hole of the light guide plate, such that the light guided by the light guide plate is capable of being transmitted through the at least one second through hole to the key cap. 
 
   
   
     10. The key module of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a scissor-type connection mechanism coupling the key cap to the reinforcing plate.